(_Under the guidance of Herr Goethemann._)
_Question._ Have you witnessed the performance of the Actor-manager?
_Answer._ No, but I have perused the tragedy of the Author-publisher.
_Q._ Is it a curtain-raiser?
_A._ No, but it is a hair-lifter, in three acts.
_Q._ How many are the persons of the drama?
_A._ Four.
_Q._ Of these, how many are objectionable?
_A._ Five.
_Q._ Kindly resolve this paradox.
_A._ All are objectionable that come on the stage, and one that
doesn't.
_Q._ You speak of the stage; where has the play been given?
_A._ Nowhere. It has not received a license.
_Q._ Is it the close season?
_A._ No, but so much private license was taken by the Author-publisher
that the public censor did not see his way to adding to the amount.
_Q._ Then we shall not see it interpreted by intelligent actors?
_A._ No, for even if license were granted, the Author-publisher would
take all the parts himself.
_Q._ I do not follow this scheme of plurality.
_A._ I quote from his own printed advertisement, "The right of
performing in public this play (_sic_) is reserved by the author."
_Q._ Did you state that it is a tragedy?
_A._ Yes, but inclining to farce.
_Q._ Does it move the reader to pity and terror?
_A._ Yes, both. Pity for himself, and terror of the next thing of the
kind that he may have to read.
_Q._ Has it any other of the high qualities of the Greek Tragedy?
_A._ It says it has the unities.
_Q._ A severe attack?
_A._ No, the Norwegian kind; a form of Teutonic measles, painful but
transitory.
_Q._ Is it heroic?
_A._ No, but it is suburban.
_Q._ Is the conclusion worthy of a great tragedy? Does it end in a
lurid light of whole-souled passion and death?
_A._ It ends about 4 A.M. the next day, with a cock crowing. The
protagonist has come home intoxicated, and remains so. I regret to
add that he pushes the heroine, she having displaced his beverage by
breaking the glass. She slaps him upon the face, and eventually loses
animation. I do not know how the other two end, because they were not
home in time for the curtain. As it was, the Author-publisher nearly
spoilt one of the unities through waiting for them.
_Q._ All must be well that ends so well. Is there a problem or enigma?
_A._ There is always the insoluble riddle--why did he write it?
_Q._ Is it full of situations?
_A._ Not inconveniently so; but there is a dramatic moment.
_Q._ Which?
_A._ I do not know.
_Q._ Then why do you say there is one?
_A._ Because the Author-publisher says so.
_Q._ But is it not wasteful to have three acts, and only one dramatic
moment?
_A._ I should have thought so; but the Author-publisher says he has
shown economy.
_Q._ Could you give me an idea of the manner? Select a striking
incident or a passage where there is subtle characterisation.
_A._ One situation impressed me very much. I think it must have been
the dramatic moment. I reserve it for my next.
(_To be continued._)
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